The sky overhead Ikot Ekpene was getting cloudy, and there were signs of a picturesque sunset as people were full of emotion and energy.
I had gotten to Akwa Ibom State, part of eastern Nigeria, in time for the Annang Festival of Arts and Culture, a festival aimed at promoting the Art, culture, and history of the Annang people. Oct 20, 2016, was the festival’s inception, and it has since grown to become a significant cultural element in the region – hundreds, if not thousands, of people wanted to be a part of it.
A Journey into Annang Culture
Owners of a befitting and vibrant culture and beautiful artworks, the Annang people reside in eight local government areas in the Akwa Ibom State.
They were living and breathing with the land, and this festival is a way of embracing and honouring their heritage. Inspecting the city of Ikot Ekpene, I found it interesting to prepare for the holiday of representative people.
A History of Annang Festival of Arts and Culture
The first festival, the Annang Festival of Arts and Culture, was held from December 12 to 19, 2016, at Raffia City Ikot Ekpene Plaza. The Annang Heritage Preservation group held the ceremony to celebrate the history, language, and culture of the Annang ethnic group. The event attracted over 10,000 people daily, making it one of the best celebrations of a cultural centre in Nigeria.
Over the years, it has expanded into a three-day festival every December. People from the region, Nigeria, and other countries attend each year. The festival is a deliberate effort to ensure that Annang tradition is not entirely washed away and to strengthen unity among the people of Annang.
The Festivities Unfold
I found myself in a bowl of beautiful sights and sounds when I got inside the compound. Moving people and energy filled the air as performers readied for their routines.
The festival is popular for its masquerade displays, in which more than eight hundred masquerades perform a variety of stunning costumes and unique dances. All the masquerades are history, in as much as some depict the heroes and events found in Annang culture.
The masquerades were not only dances but an indelible aspect of the Annang belief system and identity. Due to its different attire and dance moves, every masquerade is an identity in its own right. I have the pleasure of reminding the reader that during my visit, I saw one of the most beautiful masquerades, Ekpo, which is considered to represent ancestors.
The performers twirled beautifully over the floor, and the brightness of their costumes fit the stage. The dances the cultures perform involve telling stories through expressive movements to royal audiences. What moved me a lot was this relationship between the past and present.
The Announcement for the Uyai Annang Beauty Pageant
The festival’s biggest attraction is the Uyai Annang beauty pageant, where ladies compete to earn an honourable mention while displaying their insight into Annang customs.
The pageant also encourages and promotes intelligence and elevates cultural standards. Participants must dance, sing, speak, act, play drama, or participate in a quiz bowl to show how much they know about Annang traditions, language, and history.
I was able to talk to some of the contestants, who agreed to share their stories as they dealt with preparation for this pageant. They said they were glad to introduce their cultures and wished young people to follow the examples of their ancestors.
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A Showcase of Arts and Crafts
There is also an arts and crafts fair that displays artists’ talents and skills in the festival. From the intricacies of the beads worn to the beautiful sculptures, every one of the objects selected has a story to tell about the Annang people.Â
An artisan we met said that these masks are not only ‘paintings on the tree,’ but they also have religious meanings, and these are used mainly for ‘speaking’ to the spirits of family members who died. One wanted to feel like one was getting a history – a souvenir to remind one of the festival experiences.
Honouring Togetherness and Culture
The festival, which is mainly called the Annang Festival, is not only a festival but also a reminder of the togetherness of the eight LGAs that form Annang land. Outstanding achievements include the Hall of Fame Crown and Induction processes or when our team encourages leadership among youth. This process creates pride within communities since everyone loves to feel useful in society.
Conclusion
Annang Festival of Arts and Culture is not simply an event but a colourful masterpiece made from the string of prosperous years of heritage, artists’ aspirations, and people’s tapestry. Through this celebration, I learned the level of cultural understanding in Akwa Ibom State, a place with a rich culture that respects the culture of togetherness.
Again, I encourage anyone who happens to be in Nigeria in December to participate fully in this extraordinary festival. Whether you are fascinated by gorgeous dancing or listen to fascinating stories told by the drums, the main ethical musical instrument, you will have many great memories to think about when you go home.
